The decision on the presence of spectators at the upcoming Tokyo Olympic Games has been reversed.
First, spectators were banned to watch competitions at venues in the Tokyo Olympics after it was postponed for one year due to the pandemic. Then, the Japanese government had allowed spectators at 50 % of capacity but without foreign spectators and, now, a surge in COVID-19 infections spoiled that plan. After the meeting of the organizers, Japanese and Tokyo governments, and Olympic officials led by Thomas Bach, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) President, it was decided that the event will be held without spectators at venues in the capital, as the city entered the fourth state of emergency which will last through August 22, covering the length of the Summer Olympics.
A decision on whether to allow spectators at venues in three surrounding prefectures or not will be made after consulting with local authorities.
